“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” -- Matthew 5:37
Sanjay and his three friends were partying hard and way too late to study for tomorrow morning’s biology exam. In an alcohol-induced stupor however, they conjured up a clever plan.
The next morning, they stained themselves with dirt and grease. They arrived for class filthy and explained sheepishly that upon return from a close friend’s wedding, their car broke down and they had to push it all the way back to school. Certainly, they were in no condition to take the Professor’s Biology exam and pleaded with her for a little more time.
She agreed! They could all retake the same test during the next class period. The four thanked her profusely and promised that they would be ready by then.
“Too clever to fail!” Sanjay remarked. “We really duped her! Talk to our classmates and see if you guys can get a lead on some of the answers,” he suggested.
And so they did! On test day, they arrived well prepared, knowing about 80% of the answers already. Sanjay almost felt guilty, this would be too easy.
Professor Cline announced that this would be a “Special Condition Test.” Sanjay and his three pals would each have to take the test in a separate classroom. The test had but a single question:
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1. Which tire burst?
A. Front Left B. Front Right C. Back Left D. Back Right
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For example, if you copy from a really smart student who sits in front of you and then hand in those answers as your own, you’re stealing the results of that student’s hard work and study. You are also giving your teacher the false impression that you figured out the answers yourself.
Every time you lie or cheat, you’re choosing to put a little distance between yourself and other people - and, ultimately, God. Trust is essential to any lasting friendship. It takes a great deal of time and consistency before we’ll trust anyone enough to consider them a true friend. But, it only takes one lie to cause suspicion or to destroy the friendship altogether.
Good news! If you can choose to be deceitful - you can also choose to be honest. Think of it this way: Every time you make a decision to be truthful when you could have been dishonest, the world becomes a little better too. Imagine what could happen if every person made that decision!
Jesus, when the temptation to cheat arises, give me the courage to use the occasion to demonstrate honesty before my friends. My example may be the very thing that helps lead them to You too. For Your glory, Amen
